Psalm 37:37-38

“Keep your eye on the healthy soul; scrutinize the straight life.

There’s a future in strenuous wholeness.  But the willful will soon be discarded.” (Message version)

“Strenuous wholeness” – That’s incredibly descriptive! The path toward wholeness – healing – balance – a healthy soul – transparency with God – can be quite strenuous.

What begins with mustard seed faith and a prayer of salvation continues with growth, maturing and developing that often is indeed work. Oh, now it’s not work if we just stay drinking the “milk of the word” (Hebrews 5:11-14 ), but if we do we will miss out on experiencing the glory and fullness of the Lord. If we never stretch our faith muscles in the spiritual realm, we won’t see the full potential of His Word alive in us. (Romans 8:11 )

When we decide to come vulnerably before the throne of grace to ask for healing and wholeness, Father God sets us on a journey. He begins to peel off layers of old thought patterns, fears, strongholds, lies from the enemy that have kept us in bondage to sin and to our past.

As C.S. Lewis once penned, we submit ourselves to a “severe mercy” by the hand of the Great Physician, who – as we willingly lay on the altar before him – surgically carves out the poison in our lives that clouds his glory.

The path of wholeness indeed is strenuous. However, the rich fellowship with God, the confidence of his love, the joy of his presence, the moments of intimate communion are sweeter than any strain! Let us be fully consumed with the power and healing and presence of Jesus. The reward is well worth the work.

Other scriptures: Philippians 1:6 ; Hebrews 10:23